Comparison: Rtings Best Microwave (Updated | May 7th)

If you’ve ever pulled a plate of leftovers out of the microwave only to find the edges are rubber and the center is still an ice cube, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is designed to solve that specific headache. What really makes this model shine in a busy kitchen is the Smart Humidity Sensor. Instead of just blasting heat for a random amount of time, it actually detects the steam coming off your food and adjusts the power on the fly. It’s one of the few mid-range ovens that feels like it has a brain, especially with the 12.4-inch turntable that can handle a full-sized dinner plate without getting stuck.

I’d recommend this for families or anyone who relies heavily on reheating pre-made meals rather than just popping popcorn. It’s a 1000W workhorse that strikes a great balance between power and footprint. The Mute Function is a massive bonus if you’re a late-night snacker who doesn’t want to wake the whole house with high-pitched beeps.

The trade-off here is the size; while it’s listed as a countertop model, it is 20.6 inches wide, which can swallow up a lot of prep space in a tiny apartment kitchen. You’re trading counter real estate for that superior sensor cooking and interior capacity.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is the “goldilocks” option for someone who needs a functional microwave but doesn’t have a massive kitchen. It stands out because it doesn’t feel like a cheap, flimsy budget box despite its 0.9 Cu Ft size. The Black Stainless Steel finish gives it a premium look that resists fingerprints better than standard plastic or shiny metal. I love the inclusion of the Mute Mode here as well—it’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in a small living space where every sound echoes.

This is the ideal choice for a college student in a dorm or someone living in a studio apartment. It provides 900W of power, which is plenty for frozen burritos, oatmeal, or a quick cup of coffee. It’s reliable, looks sharp, and the Two-Step Child Lock is a thoughtful safety addition that isn’t always standard on smaller units.

The downside is that 900 watts is a bit of a “middle ground” power level. You’ll find that most frozen food instructions are written for 1100W ovens, so you’ll constantly be adding an extra 30 to 45 seconds to your cook times to get things truly hot. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one you’ll notice daily.

There is something to be said for a machine that just does what it’s told without a steep learning curve. The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 stands out for its straightforward, classic interface. It features a push-button door release, which I find much more reliable over the long term than the pull-handles that can eventually loosen or break. With 1000W of output and a spacious 1.1 Cu Ft interior, it feels like a standard-issue kitchen staple that can handle everything from a large bowl of soup to a medium casserole dish.

I think this is the best bet for a rental property or a busy household where multiple people need to use the microwave without reading a manual. The express cooking buttons (1-6 minutes) are perfect for people who just want to hit one button and walk away. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of appliance.

However, the trade-off is the noise. This unit isn’t the quietest on the market, and unlike some of its competitors, it lacks a dedicated mute button to silence the end-of-cycle alerts. If you are sensitive to the “industrial” sound of a humming microwave and loud beeps, this might feel a bit unrefined compared to more modern, silent models.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a specialized tool for the space-conscious minimalist. What makes it stand out is the Memory Function, which is surprisingly rare for a unit this small. If you have a specific morning routine—like heating a specific mug of milk for exactly 45 seconds at power level 7—you can program that in. It also features a dedicated Mute Button right on the interface, which is much more intuitive than having to hold down a number key for five seconds like on other brands.

This is the perfect microwave for an office breakroom or a very small kitchenette. Because it’s only 700 Watts, it won’t trip the circuit breakers in older buildings as easily as a high-powered unit might. It’s designed for light-duty tasks: reheating coffee, warming up a sandwich, or making a bag of popcorn.

The honest downside is the speed—or lack thereof. At 700W, it is objectively slow. If you’re trying to defrost a thick chicken breast or heat up a dense lasagna, you’re going to be waiting a while. It’s built for convenience and small footprints, not for high-speed culinary feats.

Farberware has been a household name for decades, and the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave leans into that reputation for durability and simplicity. It stands out because it feels remarkably sturdy for such a compact 700W unit. The interface is clean, and the multi-stage cooking feature is a hidden gem—it allows you to set the microwave to defrost for a certain amount of time and then immediately switch to cooking at a higher power level without you having to come back and press more buttons.

This is a great “first microwave” for a teenager’s room, a small office, or a cabin. It’s uncomplicated. If you just need something that fits in a tight corner and can handle a one-touch potato or pizza setting, this does the job without any unnecessary “smart” fluff that you’ll never use.

The trade-off is the interior size. While it claims 0.7 Cu Ft, the actual usable space is quite tight. If you have large, square dinner plates, they might catch on the corners as the turntable rotates. You really have to stick to standard round plates or smaller bowls to ensure the removable glass turntable can spin freely.

The GE GCST10A1WSS isn’t just a microwave; it’s a multi-tool that tries to replace three different appliances. What makes it stand out is the Convection and Air Fry capability. It comes with a broil and crisper pan, allowing you to actually get a crunch on your food—something a standard microwave simply cannot do. The 1050W power rating is impressive for a 1.0 Cu Ft machine, giving it plenty of muscle for both traditional microwaving and more intense convection baking.

This is the ultimate choice for someone living in a tiny home, a dorm, or an apartment without a full-sized oven. If you want to bake a few cookies, air fry some frozen wings, or brown the top of a mac-and-cheese, this unit handles it all in one footprint. It’s a versatile stainless steel powerhouse for the “all-in-one” enthusiast.

The downside is the learning curve and the heat. Because it functions as a convection oven, the exterior of the unit can get significantly hotter than a standard microwave. You have to be careful about what you leave sitting on top of it, and you’ll need to spend some time with the manual to master the different modes.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly option that focuses on the essentials. It stands out for being incredibly lightweight and easy to move, making it a favorite for temporary living situations or small apartments. Despite its 700W rating, it still includes a large LED digital display and 30-second express cooking, which are the features people actually use 90% of the time. The 10-inch glass turntable is small, but it’s positioned well to maximize the interior space.

I’d recommend this to anyone on a strict budget who needs a reliable brand name they can trust. It’s perfect for a secondary kitchen, a basement bar, or a workshop where you just need to heat up a quick snack or a cup of tea. It’s small, efficient, and UL approved for safety.

The main trade-off is the push-button door. While functional, it requires a fair amount of force to engage. Because the microwave itself is so light, I’ve noticed that if you don’t hold the top of the unit, pushing the button can sometimes slide the whole microwave backward on a smooth countertop. You might want to put a non-slip mat under it.

If you love kitchen gadgets, the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 is a fascinating piece of tech. It stands out because it crams Air Fry, Bake, Roast, and Convection into a 0.9 cu. ft. frame. Most “combo” microwaves are massive, but this one is relatively compact. The 11 preset air fry menus are particularly impressive, covering everything from squid rings to spring rolls. It’s a 900W unit that feels like it’s punching way above its weight class in terms of functionality.

This is the best use case for a “power user” who wants to cook actual meals—not just reheat them—but lacks the space for a toaster oven and an air fryer. It’s great for someone who wants to roast a small chicken or bake a side dish without heating up their entire kitchen with a big oven.

The honest trade-off here is the interior complexity. Because it does so many things, it comes with various racks and pans that you have to swap in and out depending on the mode. Storing those extra accessories can be a pain if you’re already short on cabinet space, and cleaning the interior takes more effort than a standard microwave due to the heating elements.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is the silver-finished sibling of the popular sensor model, and it stands out for its 1000W efficiency and Smart Humidity Sensor. This technology is the real deal—it measures the moisture in the air to prevent that dreaded “microwave leather” texture on meats and breads. The Easy Clean Interior is also a major highlight; it’s a grey coating that seems to let splatters wipe off much easier than the traditional white plastic interiors found in cheaper models.

This is the go-to choice for a busy family kitchen where the microwave is used multiple times a day. The 1.2 Cu Ft capacity is large enough for a casserole dish, and the one-touch start for 1-6 minutes makes it fast to operate when you’re in a rush. It’s a polished, professional-looking appliance that fits well with other stainless steel kitchen tools.

One downside to be aware of is that this specific model (the SS version) occasionally skips the Mute Function in certain manufacturing batches, or the button labeling can be confusing compared to the black version. If a truly silent microwave is your absolute top priority, you’ll want to double-check the specific button layout on your unit to ensure the “8” key long-press is supported.

The TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) stands out primarily for its ChefDefrost feature. Most small microwaves are terrible at thawing meat, usually cooking the edges while the middle stays frozen. This 700W unit uses a more sophisticated pulsing pattern to defrost up to 40% faster while keeping the food’s texture intact. It’s a surprisingly high-end feature for a 0.7 Cu Ft “small” microwave. It also includes Eco Mode to save on your power bill by dimming the display when not in use.

This is the perfect microwave for a single person who cooks from the freezer often. If your diet involves a lot of frozen proteins or veggies that need careful thawing, this unit will outperform most other compact models. It’s also a great choice for those who are sensitive to light and sound, thanks to the Sound On/Off and Eco display options.

The trade-off is the 700W power output. While the defrosting is “smart,” the actual boiling of water or heating of a large bowl of soup will take significantly longer than it would in a standard 1000W oven. It’s a trade-off of speed for better food quality and a smaller footprint.